All-inclusive Red Sea stay in our 5★ waterfront hotels, diving and snorkeling on the best reefs (Giftun, Abu Nuhas, Brothers Islands), optional Cairo and Luxor excursions. English-speaking selection by our SEV team in Cairo.
Hurghada has established itself in 25 years as Egypt's number 1 seaside destination - and for good reasons. A 4.5 hour direct flight from Paris, the resort offers turquoise sea water at 22-29°C all year round, 5★ waterfront hotels that don't exist anywhere else at this price, and direct access to the best diving sites in the world (Brothers Islands, Daedalus, Elphinstone) without having to use a live-aboard.
The all-inclusive format (flights + 5★ hotel + meals + drinks) is particularly effective: for equivalent standards, a Hurghada is 30-50% cheaper than a Dubai, Maldives or Caribbean. And unlike many all-inclusive resorts, Hurghada allows you to combine beach relaxation and strong cultural excursions (1-hour flight to Cairo for the Pyramids + GEM, or to Luxor for the Valley of the Kings - possible in 1 day).
This guide presents our Hurghada all inclusive 2026 packages: the hotels that our SEV team in Cairo personally tested, the recommended areas (Hurghada center vs Sahl Hasheesh vs Makadi Bay vs El Gouna), the excursions not to be missed, and an honest comparison vs FRAM/TUI/Voyage Privé.
“Hurghada” is actually a 50 km coastal strip divided into 4 distinct zones. Each has its audience, its standing and its drawbacks. Here is the honest comparison:
| Area | Airport distance | Standing | Beach | Ideal audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada center / El Mamsha | 15 mins | 3-4★ animated | Coral beach (shoes) | Young people, party people, low budget |
| Sahl Hasheesh | 25 mins | 5★ high-end | Artificial white sand beach | Couples, honeymoon |
| Makadi Bay | 40 mins | 5★ family | Protected bay, kids friendly | Families with children |
| Soma Bay | 55 mins | 5★Premium | Sand and coral | Divers, golfers |
| El Gouna | 20 mins | 5★ urban chic | Lagoons | Designer travelers, kite-surfing |
Our 2026 recommendation: Sahl Hasheesh for couples (newest hotels, white sand beach, calm atmosphere), Makadi Bay for families (protected bay, English-speaking kids clubs), El Gouna for urban travelers (design marina center, restaurants, nightlife without excess).
Here is the selection of hotels that our team has personally tested and continues to monitor each season. All are all inclusive with international drinks included unless otherwise stated.
Monumental Aquapark (16 slides), 10 swimming pools, English-speaking entertainment program, private beach 300m. Ideal for families with children aged 6-14. Buffet meals AND 8 themed restaurants. International drinks included (Heineken, Smirnoff, Bombay). Land price 2026 (excluding your flight to Egypt, domestic flights included): personalized quote on WhatsApp
Vast 90 hectare complex, private white sand beach 1km, 4 infinity pools, snorkeling from the pontoon (house reef 30m away). Very good value for money all inclusive. Relaxed family atmosphere.
Architectural jewel in Nubian style, 9 swimming pools, private beach 300m, natural lagoon, spa 1,500m². Non-standardized open catering. Adults only in certain areas (privileged couples).
Specialist in English-speaking families, kids clubs supervised in French, mini disco, teen program. 800m beach in a protected bay - ideal first steps at sea for children. Complete all inclusive.
Hotel adjacent to an 18-hole PGA course, really large private beach (700m), 6 restaurants. Suitable for long stays (10+ nights) and travelers combining golf + sea.
More hotels available depending on your dates, your standing and your budget. Request a detailed comparison on WhatsApp
Hurghada is one of the best world bases for diving - visibility 25-40m, water 22-29°C, coral biodiversity intact. The best sites accessible by day boat (exit 8 a.m.-5 p.m.):
See our complete guide Red Sea diving: best sites 2026 + our diving cruise packages in the Red Sea on request.
One of the great assets of Hurghada vs Sharm el-Sheikh: the possibility of combining sea + pharaonic culture without changing hotels. Three key excursions from Hurghada:
Domestic flight Hurghada-Cairo at 6 a.m., return 10 p.m. On the program: Pyramids of Giza + Sphinx + Great Egyptian Museum (GEM) open since 2025 + traditional lunch + Khan el-Khalili. Average price 2026: £250-£320/person all inclusive.
4-hour journey one way from Hurghada, light program: Karnak + Luxor temple + Valley of the Kings + Hatshepsut. Price £60-£110/person - cheaper than the Cairo flight but very busy day. Recommended especially in winter (bearable heat).
If you have 12+ days, this is THE winning format: 3 nights Cairo + 4 nights Nile cruise + 4 nights Hurghada all inclusive. You see the best of Egypt without rush. See the package Cairo + Nile Cruise + Hurghada from £1,190.
Hurghada is one of the few global destinations that can be used 365 days a year. Here are the nuances month by month:
| Month | Air min/max | Water | Crowd | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | 13-22°C | 21°C | Average | Low prices, fresh sea |
| March-April | 16-28°C | 22°C | High (Easter) | Ideal beginners diving |
| May-June | 22-34°C | 24°C | Average | ★★★ Best compromise |
| July-August | 26-40°C | 27°C | High | Very hot on the ground |
| September-October | 23-34°C | 27°C | Very high | ★★★ Warmest sea |
| November-December | 17-26°C | 23°C | High (Christmas) | Ideal mild European winter |
The most popular period: September-October and November-Christmas - water still warm, temperatures on land bearable, slight chance of rain. For tight budgets: January, February or May (excluding holidays) offer up to -40% on Christmas prices.
Here are the realistic 2026 ranges for a 7-night all-inclusive stay in a double room (excluding your flight to Egypt). All your domestic flights in Egypt are organized and included by SEV:
| Standing | Low season | Average season | High season | Premium (Christmas/Easter) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3★ all inclusive | £380 | £480 | £610 | £760 |
| 4★ all inclusive | £450 | £610 | £760 | £990 |
| 5★ standard | £610 | £760 | £990 | £1,300 |
| 5★ Premium (Steigenberger, Mövenpick) | £760 | £990 | £1,300 | £1,690 |
| 5★ Luxury (Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay) | £990 | £1,220 | £1,690 | £2,150 |
Price per person in a double room, based on 7 nights all inclusive + private transfers. Includes all your domestic flights in Egypt organized by SEV. Excluding your flight to Egypt (which you book), optional excursions (Cairo by plane, Luxor by bus, certified diving), single supplement (+25-35%), insurance.
Hurghada is one of the destinations most sold by international tour operators, and it is also the one where the quality-price differences are the widest. Comparison of a 7-night stay in a 5★ Sahl Hasheesh hotel mid season, based on 2 adults:
| Criterion | FRAM / TUI / Private Travel | SEV (local agency) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | “5★ Red Sea” credits awarded upon arrival | Hotel named when booking (Steigenberger, Albatros, Mövenpick) |
| Pyramids Excursions | Day bus 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (exhausting) | Domestic flight Hurghada-Cairo (Pyramids + GEM in 12 hours) |
| English-speaking excursion guide | On request, paying | Included on all excursions |
| Airport transfers | Shared bus | Private air-conditioned car |
| Support | France call center 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859 24/7 French |
| Modular | Fixed package | Addition of nights, change of hotel, combined Nile |
| Trustpilot review | 3,2-3,8/5 | 4.8/5 (156 verified reviews) |
Makadi Bay (protected bay) or Steigenberger Aqua Magic (aquapark) are perfect. English-speaking kids clubs, adapted catering. Avoid Hurghada center (coral beach risky for feet).
Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay 5★ Luxury. Suite with sea view or private jacuzzi, à la carte restaurant, spa. Avoid Hurghada center and Makadi Bay (too family-friendly).
Soma Bay or direct Brothers/Elphinstone base. Favor certified CMAS/PADI centers (Subex, Sinai Divers). For enthusiasts: 7-day live-aboard cruise Brothers Islands (£690-£1,690).
Our recommendation: combined 12 days Cairo + Nile Cruise + Hurghada. You see the pharaonic culture then you relax at sea. This is the preferred format for most of our first trip clients.
Sem Élégant Voyage is a local English-speaking agency based in Cairo since 2020. For Hurghada this concretely means:
Read them verified reviews from our English-speaking travelers or discover the destination page Hurghada
